New measures allowing Sefton to grant ‘sex licences’ has been opposed by a councillor

A COUNCILLOR has accused Sefton of “exploiting women” by passing new rules on lap-dancing clubs.

Lib Dem John Gibson was the only member to register his opposition to measures allowing the council to regulate ‘sexual entertainment venues’.

Thursday’s full council meeting saw politicians approve being given a greater say in how many venues can open in the borough, and where.

It should give Southport residents more grounds to oppose the controversial clubs.

Cllr Gibson, a lay-minister in the Church of England, said he could not support the legislation “as a matter of conscience”.

He said: “We were asked to approve orders that would allow men wanting to open sex establishments to do so with a licence from Sefton Council.

“That the women working in these establishments are exploited and the council is now indirectly exploiting them, and allowing them to be exploited. I doubt there will be many male sex clubs.

“I just don’t see why we need such filthy places in Southport, Formby, Crosby, Hightown, Thornton and Bootle.”

The politician added: “We live in a nice place, so why spoil it by allowing the facilitation of such establishments? It is already too prevalent in other parts of the country.”

Previously, sex clubs were treated in the same way as ordinary bars or restaurants and only required an alcohol licence to operate.

The new measures now put sex entertainment venues in a similar category to sex shops. They include peep shows, lap dancing, pole and table dancing and strip show clubs.

Southport currently has no lap-dancing venues after closure of West Street club DeeJ’s.

Holy Trinity reverend Rod Garner said such venues went against Southport’s image as a classic resort.

He said: “In my opinion, places like this shouldn’t be in the orbit of Southport. They don’t fit with the ethos of the town.

“It doesn’t fit in with what we’re trying to achieve as a classic resort and if people want those kind of things they should go elsewhere.” Sefton will earn £1206 for granting a licence with another £1206 from licence renewals.

The council also has the power to impose conditions, such as opening hours, though residents can object to applications in writing.

Opposition cannot be based on moral grounds or values but the council must consider whether the venue is located in an appropriate place.

lWHAT do you think? Should lap dancing venues be allowed to open in Southport? Write to us at Southport Visiter, 26-32 Tulketh Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1BT.